Change of Plans

Just over a week ago, Kyle was suddenly notified that his Kazakhstan work visa was being revoked. With their current laws, you can only be in the country for 60 days total in year without having a work visa. That was day 57 that we found out.

Day 58: booking flights for us and two dogs to Baku, Azerbaijan, where Baker has another office serving the Caspian region. Scrambling around Almaty to get correct paper work so that dogs can leave the country.
Day 59: via the internet, finding a temporary apartment in Baku that would allow dogs
Day 60: packing up, departing Almaty (love those customs officials!), arriving Baku

The city is quite beautiful with many parks and green spaces. Architecture and the overall feel of Baku reminds me of Madrid, although, it is more arid with some trees, mostly scrubs and is situated right on the Caspian Sea.



The city has developed a fantastic boardwalk area that rivals any in the USA. Outdoor cafes, fresh juice stands, a ferris wheel, bumper cars, all lend to a family-friendly atmosphere. Lovers walk arm in arm and old men sit on park benches in the shade. Opposite the boardwalk, Versace, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, et al, line the street, a little imposing and visited by only the wealthiest or their personal shoppers, who are dropped off by private car directly in front of each store. Others of us shop in boutiques a couple of blocks away.

Despite some major difficulties this past week (see following blog), we have decided to stay in Baku instead of returning to Almaty. So, now I write from the Middle East? I need to Google that.